THE TIDE, THE THIEF & RIVER'S END

The Aussie prog scene continues to impress me with its sheer intensity, creativity, and attitude. Prog metal band Caligula's Horse is no different, and itself showcases some great concepts and ideas. Caligula's Horse is no ordinary prog metal band, as they utilize tech metal structures and riffing styles, but somehow they come off as softer than most metal. It's actually a puzzle as to how they pull this off so well, as the result is technical and a little djenty, but melodic and atmospheric, too.

These guys know how to play really, really, well, too. Geoff Irish, the drummer, is a beast of a player, and has masterful control of the bass pedals. I'm also impressed by both Sam Vallen and Zac Greensill on guitars, as we get great solos and also djenty chugging rhythm guitars that hit hard and feel so satisfying for some reason. I think part of this may be because of Dave Couper on bass and his awesome ability to fill and complete the sound of the band.

As for vocals, Jim Grey is one of the best, in my opinion. He may sound a little reminiscent of Maynard James Keenan, but only a little. He doesn't sound like anyone else. His voice is powerful and incredibly melodious, and he seems to sing with little or no effort. He really is a special talent, and I especially enjoy his other band Arcane (due to release a monster of an album in 2014).

This album has many twists and turns that I find rather refreshing. One moment the band will be jamming pretty hard, but the next they will be playing some delicate flute or doing a little bit of guitar noodling. I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of the guitar noodling, such as on "Old Cracks in New Earth". I have to say that this is the one element that has caused me to lose a bit of connection with the album. On the other hand, I find this album superior to their debut album, especially in the riff composition and their melodies. "Atlas" is definitely my favorite track, but "A Gift to Afterthought", "Water's Edge", "Dark Hair Down", and "All is Quiet by the Wall" are all superb tracks that have some mind-blowing moments.

I do feel like I'm still waiting for Caligula's Horse to create their masterpiece. They have all the elements and they craft amazing music, but I'm still waiting to feel a complete connection with the lyrics and music. That said, Caligula's Horse is an excellent representative of the Aussie prog scene. I really hope people start paying more attention.

CALIGULA'S HORSE are a Prog-Metal band out of Australia and this is their second release from 2013. They remind me of fellow Australians ARCANE with the way they contrast the heaviness with the mellow and also both bands have very emotive vocals. This is a concept album about isolation, exodus and the human spirit overcoming insurmountable odds.

"A Gift To Afterthought" opens with guitar that reminds me of IRON MAIDEN but then it turns heavy before that guitar line returns along with vocals and drums. Man these guys can change the tempo and mood so quickly and often over the course of a song. "Water's Edge" is a really enjoyable tune with it's laid back sound with vocals. Double tracked vocals before 4 minutes with acoustic guitar in this feel good section. Then it all hits the fan 5 1/2 minutes in without vocals at first with some killer guitar over top. It stays heavy to the end.

"Atlas" has a relaxed intro then it's the drum show as it all turns powerful with the vocals in tow. Contrasts continue. An okay tune. "Into The White" opens with piano before reserved vocals, bass, acoustic guitar and a beat take over. It's building 2 1/2 minutes in but not for long as a calm arrives as contrasts continue. I really like the pastoral sound after 5 minutes then it's heavy again a minute later.

"Old Cracks In New Earth" is intense to start, complex and heavy. It mellows out before 3 minutes then it's building after 5 minutes as the heaviness returns. "Dark Hair Down" is heavy with riffs to start, love the guitar solo that comes out of that. A calm follows before it kicks back in with vocals. Another calm but it's brief. A guitar solo lights it up around 4 1/2 minutes then back to the heaviness. Great ending to this one.

"Thief" is a short ballad-like tune with fragile vocals, atmosphere and acoustic guitar leading the way. "All Is Quiet By The Wall" has this heavy duty intro with some ripping guitar before we get a calm with reserved vocals. It picks up and the vocals continue only more passionate here. Excellent instrumental section 4 minutes in as they are shredding it up. This section ends with a scream but it continues heavy until another calm arrives as contrasts continue.

This just hasn't clicked with me but the instrumental work is outstanding.

"The Tide, The Thief & River's End" is the 2nd full-length studio album by Australian progressive rock/metal act Caligula's Horse. The album was released by Australian label Welkin Records in October 2013. It´s the successor to "Moments from Ephemeral City" from April 2011 although the two full-length studio albums are bridged by the "Colossus" EP from September 2011. The quintet lineup who recorded the debut album and the "Colossus" EP is intact.

Stylistically the material on "The Tide, The Thief & River's End" is a continuation of but also a developed and more mature version of the progressive/alternative rock/metal of the two preceding releases. Caligula's Horse are a technically skilled unit fully capable of delivering relatively sharp and hard edged metal riffs and rhythms, challenging instrumental sections, and progressive song structures, but also more subtle, emotional, and organic sounding progressive/alternative rock. Sometimes I think I´m listening to a combination of A Perfect Circle and Dream Theater, but fortunately Caligula's Horse are much more than just a copy of those artists. They create some very emotional and intricate music, which is highly memorable and melodic (listen to the big hook closing "Into the White"), while still not being easily accessible vers/chorus pop/rock.

The basis of the music is guitars, bass, drums, and vocals, but the vocal part of the music is quite intricate with both harmonies and choirs being an important feature of the music. In addition to that some parts of the album features guest performances on flute, violin, clarinet, and piano. "The Tide, The Thief & River's End" is as a result a very dynamic release. The dominant mood is melancholy, but Caligula's Horse still manage to incorporate uplifting moments, so this is not a particularly dark release. It´s cleverly composed and even though it´s pretty accessible, it´s complex enough to challenge the listener, both with the performances, but also with the dynamic shifts and the composition style.

"The Tide, The Thief & River's End" is produced by guitarist (and main composer) Sam Vallen, and Vallen has crafted a sharp, powerful, and detailed sound production, which suits the material perfectly. Upon conclusion "The Tide, The Thief & River's End" is a strong sophomore full-length studio album by Caligula's Horse. They´ve moved forward while still holding on to what made them great on the previous releases. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)